Becoming a Referee

Certified, volunteer referees manage games for U8 and older divisions. No previous soccer experience is required to become a referee.

If you have little or no experience as a referee, you take the Basic Referee class (also called "Beginning Referee" or "Regional Referee" class). You get a Regional referee badge, and you referee at the U10 division. In U10 games, you are part of a team that includes a more experienced referee that can continue to teach you on the field.

If you have a USSF referee certification, you can cross-certify with AYSO. Contact the Regional Referee Administrator. Your game assignments depend on your experience.

If you are 12-18 yrs of age, you become a "PRO" referee. The PRO (Player Referee Organization) program offers a regional coordinator and classes tailored to youths. The PRO program can offer the following benefits:

AYSO's Safe Havencertification
is required for ALL referees--Adult and PRO (updated March 2014). Sometimes the AYSO's Safe Haven certification is offered with the referee
class. Contact the Basic Referee class instructor to find out if Safe Haven is taught in the classroom.

To take AYSO's Safe Haven online, go to www.aysotraining.org/. Your eAYSO ID number is required. Print the certificate and bring to the referee class.